The Guildhall

CHARD

ST3308 FORE STREET 756-1/4/80 (South side) 24/03/50 The Guildhall

GV II*

Former Corn Exchange and Guildhall, now Town Hall. 1834. Ham Hill stone ashlar; slate roof. T-shape plan. Classical style. 2 storeys, symmetrical 5-window range: central 3 set forward under 2-storey hexastyle Doric portico with continuous plinth forming low wall to loggia; columns to far left and right are closer and this articulation is reflected below and on the facade of the 1st floor, where Doric pilasters separate the windows. The ground floor has a double row of Tuscan columns and entablature, with a C20 facade to entrance. To the far left and right, double doors are set in semi-circular arches with banded rustication to surrounds. All windows have moulded architraves with cornices and consoles. Surmounting the dentilled pediment is a substantial domed cupola with clocks to 3 sides below. INTERIOR: remodelled c1970, except for the council chamber and mayor`s parlour on the first floor. The parlour is the rear arm of the T-plan; it has a high panelled plaster ceiling, chamfered, similar to coved; a glazed ceramic fireplace, dado-rail and high skirting boards; 5-panel doors with a horizontal panel to the centre and a tripartite sash with margin-panes to the rear. The council chamber, to the centre front, is articulated by pilasters with recessed panels; it has high skirting boards and deep segmental-arched recesses to each end, that to the rear with a dais and original mahogany bench, now painted; heavy plaster cornice; tall 6-panel doors with applied mouldings, have moulded architraves with cornices. The Corporation Minute book has entries dated 1833 resolving that the early C16 Guildhall be taken down and erected in a more convenient place. (Collinson J: History of Somerset: London: 1791-: P.461).

Listing NGR: ST3222308558